The Morality of Happiness

Julia Annas

The Morality of Happiness

Julia Annas

Description

Ancient ethical theories, based on the notions of virtue and happiness, have struck many as an attractive alternative to modern theories. But we cannot find out whether this is true until we understand ancient ethics--and to do this we need to examine the basic structure of ancient ethical theory, not just the details of one or two theories. In this book, Annas brings together the results of a wide-ranging study of ancient ethical philosophy and presents it in a way that is easily accessible to anyone with an interest in ancient or modern ethics. She examines the fundamental notions of happiness and virtue, the role of nature in ethical justification and the relation between concern for self and concern for others. Her careful examination of the ancient debates and arguments shows that many widespread assumptions about ancient ethics are quite mistaken. Ancient ethical theories are not egoistic, and do not depend for their acceptance on metaphysical theories of a teleological kind. Most centrally, they are recognizably theories of morality, and the ancient disputes about the place of virtue in happiness can be seen as akin to modern disputes about the demands of morality.

The Morality of Happiness

Julia Annas

Reviews and Awards

Named an Outstanding Academic Book for 1995 by Choice

"A richly nuanced and exceptionally clear historical study....A learned, provocative study that will redefine current debates about 'virtue-ethics' and its differences from moral theory. Strongly recommended for all college and university libraries."--Choice

"Annas presents both a brilliant analysis of ancient ethical theory and a powerfully argued defense of the priorities and approaches taken by ancient philosophers to ethical questions. Her mastery of a wide range of ancient (and modern) texts along with her skilled exposition of philosophical argument makes this an outstanding book...It will be required reading for any scholar of ancient ethical thought, and contemporary moral philosophers will find rich insights to bring back to their work as well....The Morality of Happiness will generously repay thoughtful reading. It is distinguished both by the comprehensive scope of its general thesis and by the subtlety of its details." --Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"[An] admirable book....This is an important book. Many of Annas's claims will provoke scholarly controversy for some time to come; in the meantime, the book will be a tremendous help to those who want to understand the development of ancient ethics as a whole."--Times Educational Supplement

"This ambitious, detailed survey...is at once unusually broad in its treatment of the varieties of Greek ethics, satisfyingly deep in its analysis of individual theories, and appropriately systematic throughout."--Religious Studies Review